Temp gauge reads low & black spark plugs

[Shinnster]

Hi all,

My van has been running fine engine wise for a while, but a few weeks ago i noticed the temp gauge only goes up just past the 1/4 mark now (it used to sit just above the middle by the LED )
Upon checking the radiator it was cool to the touch, even after about a 30 min drive. it was warm at the bottom but not hot.
I bled the radiator and got some air out but it is still running low on the temp gauge.

I don't know if this has anything to do with it but my spark plugs are now pretty much black too. Again, in the past they were they were okish colour wise.
what could cause this change in temp running? I know its been colder outside but does that affect these vans that much?
I am not mechanically minded so nothing has been messed with or adjusted on the carb to make the plugs black.


this is how my plugs looked before, and how they look now.



current plug state

[maxstu]

First thing to come to mind is faulty thermostat? Heated water not getting to radiator nor the metallic spring in the auto choke .
Are you aware of the cold start procedure for a DG 1.9 fitted with a Pierburg carb?

[Shinnster]

First thing to come to mind is faulty thermostat? Heated water not getting to radiator nor the metallic spring in the auto choke .
Are you aware of the cold start procedure for a DG 1.9 fitted with a Pierburg carb?

the thermostat is new, even though i know that doesnt mean much with these parts.

the cold start procedure? that'll be a no then lol I normally give the pedal a press to the floor once and release it then turn the key and it starts up fine, then after a few mins the idle starts to drop.
 

[maxstu]

First thing to come to mind is faulty thermostat? Heated water not getting to radiator nor the metallic spring in the auto choke .
Are you aware of the cold start procedure for a DG 1.9 fitted with a Pierburg carb?

the thermostat is new, even though i know that doesnt mean much with these parts.

the cold start procedure? that'll be a no then lol I normally give the pedal a press to the floor once and release it then turn the key and it starts up fine, then after a few mins the idle starts to drop.
 

Seems you are on the ball. Yes, that is the correct procedure. I was told two slow full depressions on accelerator pedal. Then no foot on pedal when turning key.
Air lock in coolant?

[Shinnster]

First thing to come to mind is faulty thermostat? Heated water not getting to radiator nor the metallic spring in the auto choke .
Are you aware of the cold start procedure for a DG 1.9 fitted with a Pierburg carb?

the thermostat is new, even though i know that doesnt mean much with these parts.

the cold start procedure? that'll be a no then lol I normally give the pedal a press to the floor once and release it then turn the key and it starts up fine, then after a few mins the idle starts to drop.

Seems you are on the ball. Yes, that is the correct procedure. I was told two slow full depressions on accelerator pedal. Then no foot on pedal when turning key.
Air lock in coolant?

I have bled it i think, well I think i have. no air coming out the radiator , just water.
 

[maxstu]

Hmmm! No idea now.

As brother Johnson said in the classic comedy film Blazing Saddles, "son, you are on your own!"

[Mocki]

Too rich will lower the temp , and make the plugs black . Is the air intake clear, filter good ect

[Shinnster]

Too rich will lower the temp , and make the plugs black . Is the air intake clear, filter good ect

It's got a new air filter (after the previous one caught fire ) and the pipes all look clean from any debris.
I did have a mesh gauze over the intake to stop any crap going in but have removed that now.